Nature Conscious Tourism Initiative

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wildlife conservation in tourism landscapes.

A photo of the NCTI Logo. There is an illustration of a critically endangered pygmy raccoon (procyon pygmaeus) climbing a palm tree with an airplane in the background. Text on the logo says "nature conscious tourism initiative."
A photo of a woman
A photo of three critically endangered pygmy raccoons on a beach approaching a scientist's clipboard

What We Do

Conservation through research, education, and collaboration

The Nature Conscious Tourism Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the United States working to protect wildlife in areas shaped by the tourism industry, and support the people and organizations working alongside it.

NCTI supports wildlife research, develops conservation and educational resources, and collaborates with organizations working in tourism, animal welfare, and conservation. Our current research and conservation support focuses primarily on understanding how tourism affects the health, welfare, behavior, and conservation of the critically endangered pygmy raccoon of Cozumel, Mexico.

We also use our experience in communications, tourism, and web development to help conservation organizations strengthen their outreach and share their work with a wider audience.

  • Wildlife research and field studies
  • Conservation education and public outreach
  • Tourism and Education Research
  • Communications and website support for conservation partners
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OUR PURPOSE

Protecting wildlife means understanding people, too​

Wildlife conservation is shaped by the people who live, work, travel, and make decisions in the places animals call home. Tourism, local communities, businesses, researchers, and conservation organizations can all influence what happens to wildlife.

NCTI works at that intersection. Our work combines scientific research with education, collaboration, and direct conservation support. Today, much of our work centers on Cozumel, where NCTI supports research on the critically endangered pygmy raccoon while also funding local rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and other efforts that directly benefit individual raccoons and the species as a whole.

At the same time, we continue to support other conservation organizations by contributing skills in communications, education, tourism, and web development.

Mission

To advance wildlife conservation through research support, education, collaboration, and direct conservation action. NCTI focuses on improving outcomes for wildlife affected by tourism and human activity while strengthening the organizations and local efforts working to protect them.

Vision

A future where wildlife and people can share landscapes more sustainably, conservation decisions are informed by science, and local organizations have the resources and support needed to protect wildlife effectively.

OUR PURPOSE

Protecting wildlife means understanding people, too

Wildlife conservation is shaped by the people who live, work, travel, and make decisions in the places animals call home. Tourism, local communities, businesses, researchers, and conservation organizations can all influence what happens to wildlife.

NCTI works at that intersection. Our work combines scientific research with education, collaboration, and direct conservation support. Today, much of our work centers on Cozumel, where NCTI supports research on the critically endangered pygmy raccoon while also funding local rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and other efforts that directly benefit individual raccoons and the species as a whole.

At the same time, we continue to support other conservation organizations by contributing skills in communications, education, tourism, and web development.

Mission

To advance wildlife conservation through research support, education, collaboration, and direct conservation action. NCTI focuses on improving outcomes for wildlife affected by tourism and human activity while strengthening the organizations and local efforts working to protect them.

Vision

A future where wildlife and people can share landscapes more sustainably, conservation decisions are informed by science, and local organizations have the resources and support needed to protect wildlife effectively.

Our Partners

A photo of the community baboon sanctuary logo. It says "voluntary community based conservation"
Partner With Us

Sustainable Tourism is Trendy​

Today’s tourists demand sustainability. With 87% of travelers seeking more eco-friendly experiences, it’s clear that sustainable tourism is the future of travel. People want to engage with destinations that respect nature and contribute to its preservation. By embracing these values, we can meet traveler expectations while safeguarding the planet.

How We Help

NCTI directs its time and resources toward projects that can make a practical difference for wildlife and the organizations working to protect it. Much of our current work focuses on pygmy raccoon research and conservation on Cozumel, while we also support conservation education and provide limited technical guidance to partner organizations.

A photo of two juvenile pygmy raccoons at a beach in Cozumel. They are standing on sand, looking to the right at a magnet display and toy iguana at a gift shop

Pygmy Raccoon Conservation

NCTI funds and supports research on Cozumel’s critically endangered pygmy raccoon, as well as local rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and other direct conservation and welfare efforts.

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A photo of a woman dressed up as a rosy maple moth with a pink and yellow sequined costume, pink and yellow moth wigs, blond hair, yellow feather antennae, and an eyepatch sitting on a table holding a microphone while giving a lecture. On the screen in the back, there is a slideshow that says "I LOVE BUGS" in large text.

Education

We develop educational resources and public outreach that translate research into accessible information about wildlife, responsible tourism, and human–wildlife interactions.

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A photo of a yucatan black howler monkey in a tree in Belize at the Community Baboon Sanctuary

Partner Support

NCTI provides limited website and communications guidance to conservation organizations within the tourism industry, helping them share their work effectively without diverting resources away from their conservation priorities.

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Insight

Latest News & Articles

Keep up with news about nature-conscious tourism. 

All Articles
A photo of a snow leopard

See Snow Leopards in the Wild: Conservation Through Ethical Tourism

Nessie O'Neil July 14, 2025 No Comments

Have you ever dreamed of seeing a snow leopard in the wild? You’re not alone. Each year, travelers from around the world seek out sustainable ways to witness one of nature’s most elusive big cats in its natural Himalayan habitat. Thanks to ethical snow leopard tours led by partners of conservation-focused organizations like Snow Leopard Conservancy, this dream is closer than you might think.

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A photo of the NCTI Logo. There is an illustration of a critically endangered pygmy raccoon (procyon pygmaeus) climbing a palm tree with an airplane in the background. Text on the logo says "nature conscious tourism initiative."

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